Travel in the 1800s was very different than it is today. Without cars, people traveled by foot, horse or stagecoach. In 1861, Mark Twain describes the stagecoach in his book “Roughing It” as a cradle on wheels. In fact, because of its unique construction, the stagecoach rocked as it moved instead of bouncing on steel springs. However, many of Twain’s fellow travelers might have disagreed — poor weather, uneven roads, and the fear of bandits made stagecoach travel anything but comfortable!
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Grandfather and cuckoo clocks have been around for centuries. Starting in the 18th century, quality cuckoo clocks began being produced in the Black Forest region of Germany, and have been synonymous with the area ever since. Learn More

Nutcrackers are believed to have originated in the Erzgebirge region of Germany about 300 years ago. An artisan carved a wooden soldier with a movable mouth to symbolically crack the "hard nut" of the economic times. The figure quickly became popular throughout the region, Germany and the world. Learn More

Decorated nutcrackers date back to the 15th century, when they first appeared in Germany and depicted soldiers, knights, and kings. Over the years, nutcrackers became popular as decorations, especially at Christmas time. This vendor is out on the street selling his wares out of a hand-woven basket. Learn More

The family has been looking forward to spending the day skating outside in the fresh air on a frozen pond. A few hours away from tv and the internet to enjoy the simple pleasures that come from getting out and enjoying nature. Learn More

The family has been looking forward to spending the day skating outside in the fresh air on a frozen pond. A few hours away from tv and the internet to enjoy the simple pleasures that come from getting out and enjoying nature. Learn More